Federer-Nadal rivalry in Beijing 2008 Olympics braced for possible Olympic power shift.

Federer and Nadal

They will be chasing more than just for gold at the Beijing Olympics with the coveted world number one place suddenly at stake following Nadal’s stunning Wimbledon triumph.

But China’s tourney could witness the latest dramatic switch in tennis’ balance of power, which seemed impossible just a few weeks ago.

After becoming the first man since Bjorn Borg in 1980 to complete the Roland Garros-Wimbledon double, Nadal is now ready to knock Federer off his perch if a complicated series of scenarios work in his favor.

The defining moment could come on the north American hardcourts, in Beijing or at the US Open where Federer is the defending champion.